Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

The Song Sparrow is the most common and widespread sparrow native to North America. The most northern Song Sparrows are larger and darker -- quite different from the Song Sparrows we see in parks and on our lawns. Although Song Sparrows learn their music from other Song Sparrows, each bird creates its own variation. No two birds sing the same tune!

Look For : A brown sparrow streaked above with gray and black. Brown-black streaks on white underparts. Big, dark brown spot on chest. Moves tail up and down in flight.

Length : 5-7".

Habitat : Forests, thickets, marshes, fields, yards.

Range : Coastal Alaska, much of Canada (mainly in summer), and throughout U.S.